Are Sandals Appropriate for a Job Interview?

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Why Footwear Matters: The Psychology and Signal of Shoes
3. Are Sandals Appropriate? Breaking Down the Decision Factors
4. Styles of Sandals That Can Pass (and Those That Fail)
5. A Practical, Proactive Decision Framework
6. Five-Step Footwear Decision Checklist
7. Preparing for the Interview Beyond Shoes
8. How to Communicate Footwear Choices (When Necessary)
9. Footwear Choices for Global Mobility and Expat Professionals
10. Alternatives When Sandals Are Not a Good Fit
11. Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
12. Preparation Resources and Practical Tools
13. How I Apply This Decision Process With Clients
14. Putting It Into Practice: Sample Scenarios and Recommended Actions
15. Skill-Building: Confidence, Presence, and Narrative
16. Final Checklist Before You Walk In
17. Conclusion
18. FAQ

Introduction

Feeling stuck about what to wear to an interview is more common than you think. Many professionals juggle relocation plans, remote roles, and cultural transitions at the same time they’re trying to project confidence in front of a hiring manager. The footwear question—specifically, are sandals appropriate for a job interview—comes up more often than you’d expect, and it matters because appearance is a piece of the signal you send about professionalism and fit.

Short answer: Sandals are rarely the safest choice for a job interview. In most traditional, client-facing, or formal environments, closed-toe, well-maintained shoes are the better option. There are, however, context-specific exceptions—climate, company culture, role type, accessibility needs, and local customs can all justify sandals if you handle the presentation and explanation correctly.

This article will walk you through the decision process step by step. You’ll receive practical frameworks for evaluating company culture, assessing the specific footwear options that pass the professionalism test, preparing alternative footwear plans, and communicating any unavoidable need to wear sandals with confidence and clarity. As an Author, HR and L&D Specialist, and Career Coach, I combine career strategy with practical, global living considerations so you can make choices that support both your professional ambitions and the realities of international life. If you want one-on-one support to turn these assessments into a personalized game plan, you can book a free discovery call with me to design a clear roadmap for interview success and global career mobility: book a free discovery call.

The main message: footwear is a detail that influences first impressions, but the right decision comes from applying context-aware rules and preparing explanations and alternatives so your interview is about your skills and not distracted by avoidable presentation issues.

Why Footwear Matters: The Psychology and Signal of Shoes

The first impression effect

Human perception forms quickly. Behavioral research shows that initial impressions—shaped in seconds—can anchor a longer judgment. When you walk into an interview, your footwear, posture, and grooming are scanned unconsciously. Shoes contribute to a nonverbal narrative about your judgment, attention to detail, and whether you anticipated the norms of the workplace. In practice, footwear rarely wins or loses an interview on its own, but it can nudge a cautious interviewer toward a negative interpretation when paired with other borderline cues.

What shoes signal about professionalism and fit

Closed-toe, polished shoes often indicate a candidate who understands conventional business standards. Sandals, especially casual or athletic ones, can signal that a candidate is prioritizing comfort over convention or may be unfamiliar with the culture of the workplace. Conversely, in creative or climate-driven workplaces, well-chosen open-toe shoes can signal cultural fit and personal style—when they’re paired with a coherent, professional outfit.

Cross-cultural and climate variables

Global mobility changes the baseline. In many locations—southern Europe, parts of Asia, and tropical regions—open-toe footwear is normal even in workplaces. In those contexts, sandals can be professional if they’re clean, simple, and paired with appropriate clothing. When you are interviewing internationally or relocating for work, the local dress norms are as important as the recruiter’s expectations.

Are Sandals Appropriate? Breaking Down the Decision Factors

Role and industry expectations

Different roles have different visual codes. Client-facing and regulated industries like finance, law, and some B2B services expect conservative dress. For those roles, sandals are typically out of place. In contrast, startups, creative agencies, design roles, and some fieldwork positions may accept—or even celebrate—more expressive footwear, including refined open-toe styles.

When deciding, ask whether the role requires projecting trust and adherence to formal norms or whether the job values personal expression and comfort more highly.

Company culture and dress code

Company culture drives acceptable norms more than industry alone. You can often infer dress code by scanning the company’s website, LinkedIn photos, or social channels. Watch for client-facing photos: do your potential colleagues wear suits, or smart-casual? If public media shows mostly polished business attire, err on the side of closed-toe shoes.

If you’re unsure, it’s appropriate to ask the recruiter or hiring coordinator what level of formality is expected. This demonstrates attention to detail and reduces risk.

Climate, season, and location logistics

Weather matters. In hot climates, sandals are common; however, even in warm regions a dress sandal’s level of formality matters. A neat leather sandal with a modest heel and clean lines reads differently than beach-style flip-flops. Consider transit logistics too: if you must walk on uneven streets or through crowded public transit, practical, comfortable closed-toe shoes may be safer.

Accessibility and medical needs

Health and accessibility are legitimate factors. If a medical condition prevents you from wearing closed shoes, you should prioritize comfort and safety while preparing an explanation to share briefly and professionally if needed. Recruiters and interviewers increasingly understand and accommodate accessibility needs, and professional communication about your circumstances is acceptable.

Local customs and cultural expectations

When interviewing in a culture where open footwear is the norm, wearing sandals may be standard and expected. Conversely, some cultures prioritize formal attire and may interpret sandals as disrespectful. If you’re moving countries or interviewing across cultures, research local customs and, where necessary, default to a conservative option if you can’t confirm the norm.

Styles of Sandals That Can Pass (and Those That Fail)

Sandals that can be appropriate

Certain open-toe styles appear more professional and can be acceptable in permissive environments. Look for sandals that are structured, minimal, and in neutral tones. Leather or leather-like materials, simple straps, a modest heel, and no athletic branding convey more polish. Pedicure and foot grooming are essential if you choose this route.

A dress sandal with a covered heel counter, fine straps, and muted color can often pair with tailored clothes to look intentional rather than casual.

Sandals that are almost certainly inappropriate

Flip-flops, rubber pool sandals, heavily embellished or glittery sandals, athletic slides, and overly casual beach styles are poor choices for interviews. These convey leisure and distract from the professional message you want to send.

The importance of condition and grooming

If you opt for sandals, they must be clean, odor-free, and well-maintained. Nails should be tidy, cuticles neat, and any visible skin should be free of obvious scuffs or dirt. Insoles and straps must not look worn through; scuffed, faded footwear reads as neglectful.

A Practical, Proactive Decision Framework

Assess company signals

Start with research. Look for photos of team events, office shots, and employee profiles. Step through the following mental checklist in prose form: if the company shows suits, closed shoes are non-negotiable; if they show jeans with smart tops, a conservative open-toe shoe could be fine; if images aren’t available, treat the situation as unknown and prefer safer footwear.

Draft a footwear plan B

Always prepare an alternative. Even on hot days or with a foot issue, bring a pair of smart closed-toe flats, loafers, or low-heeled pumps in your bag or suitcase when possible. This plan reduces panic and ensures you can adapt if the environment feels more formal than expected.

Practice your explanation (if needed)

If you must wear sandals due to injury, climate, or religious reasons, prepare a brief, factual explanation: a single sentence that communicates the need and then redirects to your qualifications. For example: “I’m wearing these sandals today because I have a recent foot injury; I wanted to be transparent and am happy to tell you more if it’s relevant.” Keep it concise and move on.

When to ask for guidance

If you’re still uncertain and you have time, reach out to the recruiter for explicit guidance. A simple line—“Could you advise if business casual is fine or should I come more formally dressed?”—is professional and shows you respect the company’s norms. If you’re relocating or need tailored preparation that considers cultural norms and your personal brand, you can schedule focused support: schedule a free discovery call.

Five-Step Footwear Decision Checklist

1. Confirm the role and industry norms and scan the employer’s online presence for visual cues.
2. Assess climate and logistics—how you’ll travel and the likely weather on the day.
3. Evaluate your footwear options for formality, condition, and cleanliness.
4. Prepare an alternative pair and a concise, truthful explanation if footwear is restricted by health/cultural reasons.
5. If uncertain, ask the recruiter for dress guidance or work with a coach to create a personalized interview presentation plan.

Preparing for the Interview Beyond Shoes

Whole-outfit coherence

Footwear must match the overall outfit. A formal blazer with distressed, casual sandals creates a conflicting message. Choose clothes that align with the formality level you intend to project and make sure your shoes complement that tone. For example, pairing tailored trousers with a clean, simple leather sandal in a neutral hue can read as smart-casual if the company permits it.

Grooming and small details

Pay attention to grooming details that amplify the professionalism of your footwear choice. Clean, clipped nails, moisturized skin, and neat cuticles add polish if toes are visible. Match shoe color to belt or bag where feasible, and ensure shoes are free of scuff marks. Small signals add up.

Rehearse your presentation and arrival

Practice walking in your chosen shoes so your gait appears confident and relaxed. On the day, give yourself extra time to avoid rushing, which can cause stumble and draw attention to footwear. Arrive composed; a steady entrance preserves the first-impression advantage.

Video interviews: shoes still matter

Even in video interviews, shoes can be visible depending on framing. Keep your frame balanced: if you’re wearing sandals because the background suggests casualness, make sure your top half is polished, and avoid bright distracting bottoms. For video interviews, the safest bet is to prioritize what’s visible but still wear footwear that aligns with a complete, professional look—especially if you’ll stand up during the call.

How to Communicate Footwear Choices (When Necessary)

When you need to explain an injury or accessibility need

Communicate briefly and factually. State the reason, normalize it as a practical necessity, and then shift quickly back to your qualifications. The aim is to acknowledge so the interviewer doesn’t misinterpret the footwear as a deliberate choice to underdress.

When your footwear reflects cultural or religious practice

If your footwear is part of religious dress or culturally normative attire, there’s no need to apologize. If it seems relevant to the role or because you think it may be misunderstood, offer a neutral sentence that frames it as part of your identity. For example: “As part of my cultural practice I wear open-toe sandals; I hope that’s okay and I’m happy to answer any questions about my professional experience.”

When a recruiter warns you against sandals

If a recruiter explicitly requests closed-toe shoes and you cannot comply due to medical reasons, inform them ahead of time and offer to explain briefly during the interview. Transparency builds trust. If you can comply by carrying alternative shoes, do so.

Footwear Choices for Global Mobility and Expat Professionals

Aligning footwear with relocation realities

If you are preparing for an overseas move, consider how local workplace norms will shape interview expectations. Research is critical: in some countries warm-weather attire is acceptable in professional contexts, while in others, conservative closed-toe shoes are standard regardless of climate. Build a country-specific wardrobe plan as part of your mobility checklist.

Using footwear as a tool for cultural adaptability

Showing that you’ve considered local norms—by choosing footwear that matches regional expectations—signals cultural intelligence. This matters to employers who need globally mobile staff who can represent the company appropriately across markets.

Preparing for in-person assessment centers abroad

If you’ll face assessment centers or multiple rounds of interviews in a different country, plan footwear versatility. Pack a compact, professional closed-toe option and a climate-appropriate open-toe option if local norms permit. This reduces wardrobe friction and allows quick adaptation.

Alternatives When Sandals Are Not a Good Fit

Comfortable closed-toe options

If you want comfort but prefer to avoid sandals, choose closed-toe flats, loafers, low-heeled pumps, or polished ankle boots depending on season. Many modern shoes combine support with a polished look. Investing in one high-quality comfortable pair is worthwhile for interview cycles and frequent travel.

Temporary shoe strategies

If your feet need airing or you’re dealing with a temporary injury, consider wearing compression socks or breathable shoes that meet the closed-toe requirement. If you need to switch on arrival, carry a small shoe bag with your alternative pair. Arriving in clean, appropriate footwear preserves the image you want to project.

When to bring supportive documentation

For significant accessibility accommodations, you do not need to proactively share medical documentation during the interview. Instead, make reasonable requests through HR or recruiting staff in advance, and provide documentation only if requested as part of formal accommodation processes.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Mistake: assuming company casual photos reflect interview norms

Photos of casual Fridays or summer events don’t always represent interview expectations. Interview attire tends to be more formal than daily dress. When in doubt, choose a slightly more formal option.

Mistake: relying solely on climate to choose sandals

Hot weather doesn’t automatically make sandals appropriate. Match the shoe to the role and what the employer expects.

Mistake: letting discomfort dictate appearance

If a pair of sandals literally hurts you, don’t wear them. If closed shoes hurt, seek comfortable closed-toe solutions or communicate the situation briefly. Discomfort shows in posture and vocal delivery.

Mistake: over-explaining or apologizing too much

If you must explain your footwear, keep it concise. Oversharing can draw unnecessary attention. Make your explanation factual and pivot back to your qualifications.

Preparation Resources and Practical Tools

If you want to transform uncertainty into an actionable plan, the right tools and practice accelerate confidence. A self-paced course can help you build the behavioral confidence and presentation habits that matter in interviews, while downloadable professional templates keep your application materials crisp and aligned with the story you’ll present in person.

For targeted skill-building, consider enrolling in a structured course that focuses on professional presence and interview confidence designed for busy professionals preparing for career transitions and mobility. A curated, self-paced program can help you practice interview scenarios and refine choices like footwear so they become automatic and strategic rather than stressful. Explore a focused, self-paced course to build career confidence here: self-paced course to build career confidence.

For practical documents you can use immediately, download templates that help you present your experience clearly and professionally, reducing one area of uncertainty before you walk into the interview. Use free career document templates to update your resume and cover letter before interviews: download free resume and cover letter templates.

When you need individualized advice that accounts for your career stage, cultural context, and mobility goals, working through a short discovery conversation can clarify the path forward: talk with me for tailored guidance.

How I Apply This Decision Process With Clients

As an HR and L&D Specialist who also coaches globally mobile professionals, I focus on integrating wardrobe decisions with career strategy. Footwear is a tactical choice that lives inside a larger strategy: if you want to be perceived as a trustworthy candidate for international roles, every visible choice—from shoes to digital presence—should support the narrative you plan to tell about your competence, adaptability, and cultural awareness.

I guide clients through a three-part process: research to determine norms, rehearsal to make the presentation automatic, and contingency planning so they’re never caught off-guard. When candidates prepare this way, they reduce decision fatigue and increase interview presence—an outcome that matters more than any single clothing decision.

If you want tailored support to align presentation with career goals and mobility plans, we can map a personalized plan together: schedule a free discovery call.

Putting It Into Practice: Sample Scenarios and Recommended Actions

Scenario: Interview for a client-facing role at a conservative firm

Recommended action: Wear closed-toe, polished shoes that match a tailored outfit. Prepare a contingency phrase if you have a medical constraint. Avoid sandals.

Scenario: Interview at a creative startup in a warm climate

Recommended action: A smart, minimal dress sandal can work if paired with a professional outfit. Confirm company norms via social channels; carry a closed-toe option if traveling through formal areas.

Scenario: Remote interview while traveling internationally

Recommended action: Prioritize the top half of your outfit for video clarity but still wear footwear that supports your posture if standing during the call. If you’ll meet in person later, pack interview-appropriate shoes.

Scenario: You have a temporary foot injury

Recommended action: Prefer comfort and safety over strict rules. Briefly explain as needed, carry an alternative pair if possible, and focus on preparing your talking points so the conversation centers on your abilities.

Skill-Building: Confidence, Presence, and Narrative

Selecting appropriate footwear is one element of interview readiness; the other critical element is presence. Confidence grows from preparation: rehearsed answers, practiced posture, and a clear narrative about your career that aligns with your global mobility goals. A structured program that trains both language and nonverbal signals reduces nervous energy that otherwise makes small details, like shoes, feel magnified.

A structured program for career confidence helps you practice interview flow and integrate appearance choices into a coherent story you’re comfortable presenting. When your verbal and nonverbal presentation align, interviewers focus on your qualifications rather than incidental details. Explore an evidence-based program that can help you develop those skills: structured program for career confidence.

For immediate help with the documents that open doors—your resume and cover letter—grab template designs that frame your mobility and experience clearly: downloadable resume templates.

Final Checklist Before You Walk In

Take these final checks in the hour before your interview: confirm your shoes are clean and appropriate, check your outfit for coherence and wrinkles, review your brief explanation if you need one, and remind yourself of two strengths you’ll highlight in the conversation. This routine reduces last-minute worry and ensures the focus stays on the conversation.

Conclusion

Sandals are not categorically inappropriate for job interviews, but they are often a higher-risk choice. The best approach is context-driven: consider industry norms, company culture, climate, accessibility needs, and the role’s client-facing nature. Prepare a plan B, groom your feet and shoes carefully if you choose sandals, and practice a brief, factual explanation if your footwear choice needs clarification. Integrating these practical steps into a broader roadmap—one that aligns presentation with ambition and global mobility—transforms small appearance decisions into strategic moves that support your career.

If you want personal, actionable support to create that roadmap and ensure every detail—from footwear to interview narrative—works for your global career goals, Book your free discovery call with me to design a tailored plan that advances your career with confidence: Book your free discovery call.

FAQ

Q: If I must wear sandals for medical reasons, how should I address it during the interview?
A: Keep the explanation brief and factual. One sentence acknowledging the reason, followed immediately by a pivot to your qualifications, is sufficient. For example: “I’m wearing sandals today because of a recent foot injury; I’m happy to discuss the role and my experience.” Focus the remainder of the time on your skills so the footwear is a footnote, not the story.

Q: Are dress sandals acceptable for client-facing roles in warm climates?
A: They can be, if they’re understated, well-made, and paired with a professional outfit. When client relationships are central to the role, default to a conservative look if you’re unsure, or ask the recruiter for guidance.

Q: How do I find out a company’s interview dress code if it’s not obvious online?
A: Ask the recruiter or the person scheduling the interview. Politely ask whether business casual or business professional is expected. This question is normal and shows you’re preparing thoughtfully.

Q: What should I do if I arrive and others are more or less formally dressed than I expected?
A: Adapt gracefully. If others are more formal, your slightly conservative choice will likely be fine. If they’re vastly more casual and you’re overdressed, remain composed—professionalism never harms—and use your confidence and skills to connect. If you often confront this mismatch, work with a coach to refine a flexible wardrobe strategy for future interviews.